Rutgers Women's Lacrosse Adds Two Assistant Coaches to Staff
Aug 17 | Women's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Aug. 17, 2011) – Rutgers women’s lacrosse head coach Laura Brand-Sias announced today that Lisa Staedt Ojea and Anne Murray have been named to her staff as assistant coaches. Ojea arrives “On the Banks” after stints at Louisville, James Madison and Virginia Tech. Last season, Murray served in the same capacity at Virginia Tech.
“I am very excited about the potential of this staff in both the short and long term,” said Brand-Sias. “We are here to win championships and this staff has the tools to help us take a large step toward that goal. The addition of Lisa and Anne brings a fresh national perspective based on their successful experiences in the BIG EAST, ACC, Ivy League and CAA.”
| STAEDT-OJEA |
“I would like to thank Laura and the rest of the administration for giving me this opportunity,” said Ojea. “I am looking forward to working with one of the most well respected head coaches in the sport of lacrosse, as well as with the quality student-athletes that make up this great program. The passion and desire to win is evident and I am excited to be a part of it.”
“I couldn’t be happier about joining the Rutgers staff,” said Murray. “I am so excited about the opportunity to work with and learn from everyone on the women’s lacrosse staff, as well as the players and the Rutgers community. I cannot wait for the student-athletes to get on campus for the fall semester so that we can start playing Rutgers lacrosse. This is a strong program with a great reputation and I am thrilled and very fortunate to be a part of it.”
After arriving at Louisville in July of 2006, Ojea (pronounced Oh-HEY-uh) spent four years helping to transition the women’s lacrosse squad into a varsity program. Elevated to associate head coach in July 2009, Ojea served as the defensive coordinator, while also organizing recruiting, budgeting and travel.
“Lisa brings a very impressive background to Rutgers, both as a player and a coach,” said Brand-Sias. “Her BIG EAST and international experience will offer a lot to the program and I know we will benefit immediately from her addition.”
Prior to her stint with the Cardinals, Ojea coached the Louisville Lacrosse Elite-Club Program. In 2005-06, Ojea worked at James Madison University – her alma mater – leading the Dukes to the CAA Championship and the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Prior to that, Ojea spent two years with Virginia Tech as the first assistant.
As a player, Ojea was named to the CAA Silver Anniversary Team in 2010, after twice being named CAA Player of the Year. A three-time all-conference first team selection, Ojea earned All-America honors in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| MURRAY |
Last season, Murray helped to lead the Hokies to their first winning campaign in the last 10 seasons. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native worked primarily with the defense, while also coordinating team travel, breaking down video and recruiting student-athletes. Murray implemented unified team strategies in practice, improving team and individual play as well as developing leadership and mental toughness within the team.
“Anne’s passion for lacrosse is evident as soon as you meet her,” said Brand-Sias. “She possesses outstanding technical ability and she will make a quick impact to the program.”
Prior to working at Virginia Tech, Murray was an assistant coach at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., assisting the head coach in all facets of the program.
A four-year letterwinner at Princeton University, Murray led the Tigers to four NCAA Tournament appearances from 2005-09 and was a part of the Ivy League Champion squad in 2006. She finished her senior season with 10 goals and seven assists, good for 17 points. Murray graduated from Princeton in 2009 with a degree in history.
